A’s likely to lose former first-round pick in Rule-5 draft

LAS VEGAS - The A’s took Richie Martin with their first-round pick in the 2015 draft, and this winter, made the risky choice to leave the shortstop unprotected.

Thursday, with several teams with needs at shortstop selecting early in the Rule-5 draft, Oakland is expected to lose Martin.

It’s unusual to leave a former first-rounder off the 40-man roster once eligible for the Rule-5 draft, but, general manager David Forst said Wednesday, “We’ve lost some guys in the draft before. Once guys have been in the system three or four years, their performance takes precedence over their draft position.”

Martin, who will be 24 next week, has hit .257 over four minor-league seasons, including .300 with 25 steals and 16e errors at Double-A Midland last season. He was the 20th overall pick in 2015 after playing at the University of Florida.

Another player the A’s might lose in Thursday draft might come as a surprise: converted infielder Eric Marinez, 23, who was clocked in the upper 90s during instructional-league play this fall, drawing the attention of several teams.

Oakland is not expected to select any players in the major-league portion of Thursday’s draft. The team has numerous roster spots to fill and is unlikely to use one for a Rule-5 player.

RockHounds shortstop Richie Martin retrieves a base hit before getting an easy force out at second to close the inning against Tulsa June 28, 2018, at Security Bank Ballpark. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

RockHounds shortstop Richie Martin retrieves a base hit before getting an easy force out at second to close the inning against Tulsa June 28, 2018, at Security Bank Ballpark. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Photo: James Durbin / James Durbin

Photo: James Durbin / James Durbin

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RockHounds shortstop Richie Martin retrieves a base hit before getting an easy force out at second to close the inning against Tulsa June 28, 2018, at Security Bank Ballpark. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

RockHounds shortstop Richie Martin retrieves a base hit before getting an easy force out at second to close the inning against Tulsa June 28, 2018, at Security Bank Ballpark. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram